Super Bowl notebook: No chance of precipitation in Sunday's forecast

Updated 11:29 pm, Wednesday, January 29, 2014

WEATHER FORECAST: It's four days out from the Super Bowl, and the story lines about Richard Sherman versus Demaryius Thomas are starting to grow old.

Meanwhile, the weather forecast -- certainly an element at play here -- is just starting to take shape.

According to Weather.com Wednesday night, there is a zero percent chance of precipitation for Sunday. The website lists an expected high temperature of 44 degrees and a low of 27.

All forecasts are subject to change, of course, but as NBC Connecticut's Ryan Hanrahan told Hearst Newspapers last week, meteorologists can start "pinning down details" of a forecast roughly three days in advance.

It's been a hot topic throughout the week, but neither team has expressed much concern.

"We play out in Denver, it's cold at times," Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno said. "We've played in some cold games this year so far, so the weather really doesn't play a factor in this game. It's going to come down to execution and seeing what we can do versus a really good team."

However, it's worth noting that Peyton Manning, according to CBSSports.com, has a career record of 4-7 in games that kicked off at 32 degrees or colder.

Seattle has reportedly been practicing indoors due to the conditions of the outside field at the Meadlowlands complex.

"I don't mind (practicing inside)," Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin said. "It doesn't matter where we play. We'll eventually get outside to get used to the weather, but when it comes to game time, that stuff is not going to be a factor. It's all mental at that point."

PEYTON AND ELI: Peyton's younger brother, Eli Manning, won a Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. It's called the House that Peyton Built.

Now Peyton Manning is trying to win a Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium, where his younger brother plays.

"That's a pretty unique and ironic situation that Eli played in a Super Bowl in Indianapolis, and the Broncos have a chance to play in the one in (New Jersey)," Peyton Manning said. "I had a chance to see Eli (Tuesday) night. I got to visit with him and his family.

"He and I don't get to spend a lot of time together. He came to the game two weeks ago against the Patriots. That's one of four or five NFL games of mine that he's been to. It's always special to have a chance to be with him."

WELL AWARE OF SHERMAN: Because Sherman, a Seattle cornerback, is getting so much recognition as the league's best, Peyton Manning was asked if he could remember avoiding a defensive back in a game.

"The teams I played on, I've always had some real good receivers, and we felt like we had to try to get them the ball," he said. "That was the best way for us to win. This team is no different.

"They're excellent cover corner guys, and you have to know who's guarding your receiver on each play and what route that receiver's running. There are certain routes that are not quite as good against certain corners.

"Their safeties are excellent, as well."

CHIP ON HOLLIDAY'S SHOULDER: Last year, Baltimore receiver Jacoby Jones, who had been waived by the Texans, returned a kickoff for a touchdown that helped the Ravens win the Super Bowl.

Denver receiver Trindon Holliday, who returns kickoffs, would like to do the same. Like Jones, he was waived by the Texans.

"You always have a chip on your shoulder when you get released or cut from the team," Holliday said. "You shouldn't show it. You just have to prove to the guys that you're able to do it.

"I don't think it's a rebirth. I think it's just coming to another team, just starting all over again."

GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION: Thomas, a Broncos receiver, watched veteran Wes Welker closely when he signed with Denver after the 2012 season.

"I saw him working hard, how he was on the field, off the field," Thomas said. "The main thing that helped me being with Wes was being in the meeting room with him.

"He'd help us on the field, telling us how to beat this guy with different leverage and then helping us with reading different coverages so we can go out on the field and play fast."

WELL-REPRESENTED: The Broncos have three offensive players who played at Texas Tech. All are starters.

"He's one of those guys that keeps his feet moving. As a linebacker, I like the challenge. I'm not one to talk a lot, but I enjoy watching his running style. It's going to be an honor to play (against) him."

MARSHAWN MISSING: Lynch essentially skipped out of Tuesday's Super Bowl media day, but coach Pete Carroll did not make a big deal of it.

"We have obligations that we try to fulfill the best we can," Carroll said. "I don't know how we can look at this any other way -- not everybody is the same. In our program we understand that, to a point that we made the statement that we celebrate the individuality and the uniqueness of our guys. I think that we would like to comply and do everything that we can to the best of our abilities, but we are who we are."

Carroll added: "The other side of this is I don't know how we could give you anymore of some of our guys. You know Richard Sherman should get a little bit of credit here for covering for everybody here. On this football team, and all teams, there are people that are more available than others, because they're comfortable with that, and they feel good about that."

Lynch was the only Seahawk who did not participate in practice Wednesday. His absence was listed as "not injury-related."

"This is the day we rest Marshawn," Carroll said. "Wednesday is always a rest day for him. We've been doing that for years, and it's always worked out great. We're in great shape. We're just as fortunate as can be to be in this kind of shape this late in the year."

Lynch briefly fulfilled his media obligations Wednesday.

"I'm just here so I won't get fined, boss," he said. "That's the only reason I'm here."

`SEAHAWK WAY': The term "The Seahawk Way" began popping up at Wednesday's media availability.

Several players gave their definitions.

"`The Seahawk Way' is just competitive and disciplined and always looking to get better, always seeking greatness," said wide receiver Golden Tate. "It doesn't matter if we were going into this game undefeated. We will always, every single day we're looking to get better. It doesn't matter if it's the first game or the last game."

Rookie linebacker Bruce Irvin had a slightly different take.

"When you walk in the meeting room, you have basketball hoops, you have rap music playing," he said. "(Pete Carroll) is a team player. We have a young team so these players like people who are real with them. That's what Pete is and we respect him and play for him so hard."